When I would walk into the library after school, a lively buzz would fill the room: students laughing with one another and large groups sitting around tables, their eyebrows furrowed as they worked on geometry homework. Some students were on their phones, others were in uninterrupted focus. The new media center policies, however, prohibit many of the activities mentioned above.

Now, when I walk into the library after school, a depressing air dominates the room. Students click-clack depressedly away at their computers, stare in frustration at their proofs and barely a whisper dares to pierce the air. The turnstile waits at the mouth of the library like a binding oath to swear yourself to academic productivity for two hours. 

According to the recently updated “After School Student Expectations” document, students in the library are expected to be there for academic purposes only by 2:45 p.m., and there can be no more than three students at each table. The document explains that these changes are intended to “preserve an academic environment and ensure that students who remain after school are using the space appropriately for learning and support.” However, many of these policies are too strict and absurd.

Understandably, students in the library should be there for academic purposes only, as this increases their purpose and initiative. However, only allowing three students at each table is unnecessary. For example, most of my group projects range from two to six members, and the library policies would prevent such a group from working together. Additionally, the rules regarding entering and exiting the library are too strict. Similar to horror movies, once you’re in there’s no coming back out. You are not allowed to visit the cafeteria and must buy snacks beforehand. You are only allowed to use the restroom. Food deliveries are also prohibited. 

Failure to follow any of the above, for the first offense, results in removal from the library, being re-assigned to after-school detention, loss of after-school library privileges for two weeks, and a school administrator contacting home to review the “incident” and next steps. 

Typically, it’s three strikes you’re out, but not in this library. It’s two strikes, you’re out. On the second offense, students will no longer have access to the library after school. 

These policies are ridiculously strict. Imagine you were getting extra help, or making up a test or assignment. Now you can’t even go to the library. 

In conclusion, the after-school library, once the go-to spot for true productivity, has now become a “privilege” with policies that are too strict. In order to encourage students to actually study, these rules should be loosened.